Crimesense Magazine - Fall 2011 - Peel/Halton

It’s not just part of growing up

DE-MYSTIFYING

Eating Disorders

FREE

Fall 2011

PH22011 PM41927547

crimesensemag.com

From The Editor Editor & Publisher Jacques Beauchamp former regional police officer Executive Assistant Christine Panasuk Assistant Editor Joyce Li Circulation / Production Joyce Li Production Co Ordinator Jonathan Beauchamp Graphics & Art DESIGNit.CA Cover Illustration Tom Vopni - Rizengraphics.com Printed in Ontario, Canada Dollco Printing Columnists Sandra Friedman, MA Canadian Paediatric Society Tony Bayley Walt Mueller Kids Help Phone Brittany Wakefield The Centre for Parent/Youth Understanding

There are many women and men who suffer from Eating Disorders. Eating disorders can affect anyone. They do not discriminate any specific weight categories or body types. Those with Anorexia could be slightly overweight, or underweight. Those with Bulimia could be at a perfectly good weight. Eating disorders can also affect the young, old and everyone in between. An Eating Disorder is deadly for anyone.

People who have Eating Disorders do harmful things to their bodies due to their obsession with their weight and body image. It is important to understand that even though a person may be suffering from a specific Eating Disorder, it is not uncommon for them to exhibit behaviours from any or all types of disorders.

It is also not uncommon for someone dealing with one Eating Disorder to develop a second one at the same time. This is caused by a dangerous fixation on trying to be thinner, skinnier, and leaner.

Eating Disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of all Metal Illnesses. 10-20% of people suffering from Eating Disorders either die from malnutrition or complications due to emaciation. It is so serious that it could be looked at as a form of unconscious suicide.

Account Executives Donn Holt Thomas Easton Dan Cole Crimesense is Published by Vantage Publishing Group Corp. and distributed free, all rights reserved. Contents and photographs may not be reprinted without written permission.

The statements, opinions and pointts of view expressed in articles published in this magazine are those of the authors and publication shall not be deemed to mean they are necessarily those of Vantage Publishing Group Corp. or other affiliated organizations. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, transparencies or other materials.

Can Eating Disorders be treated? Yes! The treatment starts by seeking the help of a Health Professional who can help you get back on track in terms of the physical aspect, including proper nutrition.

A Mental Health Specialist will also be needed to help work through the psychological aspects of the Eating Disorder.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 41927547 ISSN 1927-3142 Crimesense Magazine (Print) ISSN 1927-3150 Crimesense Magazine (Online) Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to 174 Colonnade Road South, Suite 33 Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7J5

Many Eating Disorders begin by a simple thought, “If only I was thinner”, or “It’s just a temporary phase”, and then snowball into a deadly condition. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have an Eating Disorder, I urge you to seek help right away. Life is good.

Telphone: (613) 724-9907 Toll Free: 1-888-724-9907 info@vantagepublishing.ca www. vantagepublishing.ca

SAY HELLO

Share your suggestions or comments with Jacques by sending him an email at:

jacques@vantagepublishing.ca

Jacques Beauchamp Editor-in-Chief c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

3

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

In This Issue

5

c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

Šcopyright iStockphoto.com | Maxian

7

c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

Šcopyright iStockphoto.com | Maxian

9

What bullying looks like Throughout this past year, bullying has been making headlines across Canada.

In early 2011, a series of suicides in Nova Scotia related to bullying and cyberbullying inspired an anti-bullying movement in Atlantic communities, and led Nova Scotia’s Ministry of Education to set up a cyberbullying task force.

In Alberta, news of another teen’s suicide, also related to cyberbullying, surfaced in the spring. From Vancouver to Ottawa, St. John’s to Montreal, bullying became a major focus in the media. Gone are the days when bullying was seen as a rite of passage, or as something that was just part of growing up. Today, parents, educators, and young people everywhere are talking about bullying in a different way. The perception that it’s something to “tough out” has shifted. Now, bullying is something that is no longer to be tolerated.

As schools, parents, and various levels of government learn new ways to manage bullying, Kids Help Phone continues to be a go-to resource for young people across Canada who are dealing with all aspects of bullying, which can take many forms. Kids Help Phone is also a trusted resource for parents and youth professionals, who will find a new report about cyberbullying online now at www.kidshelpphone.ca.

“I know what bullying is like seeing as I go through it every day. My parents or friends have no clue about because I will never let them know! People are now spreading rumors saying I’m emo. my life sux and the popular girls are making it worse. people hate me for no reason and I can’t figure it out. I think it’s cuz of how I dress and look. I’’ve been pushed and shoved in hallways, had someone spit on me, threaten me...my life sux... please I need help!”

- Real post from kidshelpphone.ca

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

Bullying can take many forms: verbal, physical or social. It can also take place at school, at home, or in the community and can happen in person, on the phone, online, or a combination of all three. While some people might think of bullying as purely physical (i.e. hitting or pushing), actions like stealing or destroying someone’s belongings are also considered forms of physical bullying.

Social or verbal bullying take the form of rumours, gossip, social exclusion, threatening, criticizing, or making sexist, racist or homophobic statements.

Relationship or dating violence can also be understood as a form of bullying, and can include ridiculing; sharing private, personal information with others; forcing a boyfriend or girlfriend to do things that he or she doesn’t want to do; and verbally or physically hurting the other person.

And then there is cyberbullying, which takes place over technology platforms like social networking sites, instant messaging or or texting. Sending hurtful emails, posting embarrassing photos of someone, or gossiping about them in online forums or social networking sites are all examples of cyberbullying.

How bullying affects kids

“I have been bullied since around grade 2 to grade 3 and I’m now in grade 7…I am getting sadder and sadder. I am depressed and my parents don’t know it. Inside I am crying for help but it doesn’t show.”

- Real post from kidshelpphone.ca Bullying was long seen as a rite of passage, something that many kids go through as a regular part of growing up.

But that perspective has started to change as we learn more about the impact of bullying. It’s no longer seen as a way for young people to develop a “thick skin” or learn to stick up for themselves, but as something that can cause stress and anxiety, sometimes for years after the bullying has stopped.

Kids and teens are who are experiencing bullying might be afraid to go to school, coming home with unexplained bruises or cuts, or might seem upset when they’re online if they’re being cyberbullied.

If your kid or teen is being bullied, there are things you can do to help.

Listen to what they’re telling you, and let them know it’s okay to ask for help. They might also want to talk to a friend, a teacher, a counsellor or a coach they trust. At first, young people might worry that confiding in someone is the same as tattling.

Help them understand that there is a difference, especially when it comes to their safety.

Remind them that it isn’t their fault. It’s not uncommon for kids who are bullied to feel like it’s their fault: bullying can affect a child’s self-esteem.

Help them understand that bullying can stop.

Suggest that next time they are bullied, they walk away and get to a safe place; avoid places where bullying has happened; and to spend time with people they know will stick up for them.

Practice responses together. Spend some time with your kid and think about what they can say to a bully. If they don’t want to practice this with you, they can practice it in front of a mirror. They can also bounce it off a counsellor at Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Work out a plan together to put an end to the bullying. This might mean contacting an authority, like a school principal or the police.

Along with fear, anxiety, and low self-esteem, young people who are bullied can experience anger, frustration, hurt, difficulty concentrating, helplessness, and loneliness.

There is also a range of physical effects these feelings can lead to, including; stomach aches, headaches, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, sleeping too much and fatigue.

Over time, all of these feelings – both emotional and physical – can be compounded with a growing sense of hopelessness and despair.

What to do if your kid is being bullied

Young people who are being bullied might feel embarrassed or afraid of what’s happening to them. Because of these feelings, they don’t always tell their parents they are being bullied.

Encourage them to try not to retaliate.

Walking away sends a powerful message, and fighting is likely to make the situation worse.

Don’t give up. If you and your kid have already tried a few different things to make the bullying stop, keep trying, and keep talking about it.

Along with Kids Help Phone’s 2011 report on cyberbullying, parents, educators, and anyone with kids in their lives can visit www.kidshelpphone.ca for tips and other information about bullying. CS

©copyright iStockphoto.com | Hjalmeida

Young people who are bullied often feel lonely, unhappy, and frightened as a result.

They might start to withdraw from family, school and social activities.

c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

11

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are motorized vehicles with 3 or 4 wheels and large, low-pressure tires. They are designed to be used by a single operator in off-road areas, not on public roads. They can weigh up to 272 kg (600 lbs).

ATVs are not safe for children and young teenagers, who don’t have the strength or skill to handle them properly. Still, many kids do use them, especially in rural or remote areas. And each year, many children and youth are seriously injured or even killed while riding an ATV.

Did you know?

• In Canada, nearly 25% of ATV-related deaths are among children under 15 years old.

• More than one-third of serious injuries from ATV crashes are among children under 15 years old.

• ATV injuries have been reported in children as young as 1 year old.

How can ATVs be used safely?

You’re more likely to be injured on an ATV if you don’t use it properly. If you’re a parent who owns or operates an ATV, you can model safe behaviour by following these guidelines:

• Age and experience: Driver error and loss of control are

©copyright iStockphoto.com | Shutterbugger

common causes of ATV crashes. Children younger than 16 years old should not operate ATVs. They don’t have the strength, skills or experience to handle ATVs safely.

• Four-wheeled vehicles: Injuries are more likely to occur on three-wheeled ATVs, which are more unstable than fourwheeled vehicles. Three-wheeled ATVs are not recommended.

c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

13

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

• Proper equipment: ATV drivers and passengers should always wear an approved helmet for ATVs or motorcycles (such as a helmet meeting the Canadian Standards Association, Department of Transportation/Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, Snell or American National Standards Institute motorcycle helmet standards, not a bicycle helmet), eye protection, and proper clothing, such as boots, gloves and long pants.

• Training: ATV drivers should take an approved training course.

• Drugs and alcohol: Drivers should not operate an ATV after using drugs or alcohol.

Are there laws in Canada about operating ATVs? Laws governing ATV use are different in each province and territory.

• Most provinces require ATV drivers to wear helmets.

• Most provinces have restrictions for young drivers. Some require, for instance, that drivers under 14 years be supervised by an adult.

For more DETAILS Preventing injuries from all-terrain vehicles, a statement of the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Developed by the CPS Injury Prevention Committee - Updated: February 2009 This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. CS

For more information on child and youth health and safety, please visit www.caringforkids.cps.ca & www.cps.ca

©copyright iStockphoto.com | Riger

• Passengers: Most ATVs are meant to be used by a single driver.

Passengers are not recommended because they can affect the balance and make it hard for the driver to stay in control. Children younger than 16 years old should never ride as passengers on ATVs.

c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

15

I

t’s almost impossible to work with girls today without ever hearing the dreaded statement that ‘Katie’ may have an eating disorder—with the implication that it’s up to you to do something about it. Whether you are a teacher, counsellor, youth and/or mental health worker or public health nurse you will most likely have visions of starving girls dance around in your head. You don’t know where to begin.

You are afraid that whatever you say will make her worse and that she will collapse right in front of you.

©copyright iStockphoto.com | kevinruss

No wonder you panic! Much of the literature and information you receive describes eating disorders as the mental illness with the highest mortality rate—10% to 20% of people die as a result of their eating disorder. When you read how complex the treatment of eating disorders is it’s hard not to feel inadequate. You ask yourself what difference you could possibly make. Yet not every girl with an eating disorder is on her way to the hospital nor do you have to be an eating disorder specialist to engage in intervention.

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

to differentiate themselves from her and to form an “I” and a “ME.” In elementary school, girls understand that their self is made up of many different traits, abilities, characteristics, qualities, feelings and roles. They can also describe many of the parts of their self.

Why eating disorders develop

Eating disorders exist on a continuum that includes girls with disordered eating patterns, girls just beginning to use eating disorder behaviours, girls whose behaviours are more entrenched, and girls whose behaviours are making them sick. Demystifying eating disorders means understanding where ‘Katie’ is on the continuum. It means reframing eating disorders. Instead of focusing on the ‘severity of the disease’, you can then address it as a set of coping mechanisms that develop over a period of time. Because coping mechanisms are learned, in many cases they can also be unlearned.

Until girls approach puberty they are normally psychologically and physically healthy. They read and write and develop their social skills. 1 They are physically strong and are active. Elementary school is a positive experience for many girls because it is in synch with their physical and cognitive development. However, as girls approach puberty the more detrimental forces of socialization come into play.

Girls are socialized to put the needs of others ahead of their own 2 and are pressured to silence their thoughts, feelings and needs in order to achieve and maintain relationships.

Girls begin to hold back their feelings and opinions. In the process they lose their ‘voice’ and subsequently their ability to know what they think and feel. 3 This causes them to doubt their perceptions, judgments and ultimately themselves. As girls move from being the centre of their experience and begin to focus outward for definition of themselves and their experiences. They lose their “I”, or sense of self, and focus on “YOU.”

Girls are socialized to internalize their distress. When girls can’t express themselves directly, they do so indirectly. They blame themselves and turn their feelings against themselves by speaking about themselves in a negative voice. Because fat is seen as bad, girls express themselves in terms of fat regardless of their physical size. They ‘feel fat,’ speak in ‘fat talk’ and encode their feelings and experiences in a ‘language of fat’. This becomes a way of turning concerns about something real on the inside into something artificial Eating disorders occur because of a complex combination on the outside. Girls deal with the discomfort of their of factors that include the predisposition to anxiety or to psychological fat by trying to change their bodies. They obsessive compulsive disorder, genetics, the individual’s stage diet in the belief that if they change their bodies they can of development, societal factors, change their lives and, thus, how family dynamics and personality Because fat is seen as bad, girls express themselves they feel about themselves. structure. The societal matrix in terms of fat regardless of their physical size. within which disordered eating What you can do occurs is one where food and They ‘feel fat,’ speak in ‘fat talk’ and encode their Intervention is about stopping weight management is strongly feelings and experiences in a ‘language of fat’ behaviours before they escalate endorsed as a sign of ‘good into fullblown eating disorders. character’ and where selfworth is defined in terms of body How much you intervene and how you use the suggestions shape and size. Disordered eating behaviours become a provided below will depend on your skills and expertise way for girls to deal with feelings that are too painful or and on the level of comfort that you feel. are considered inappropriate to reveal, with tension and anxiety, with emotional conflict and with difficulties that Know and trust yourself the individual feels cannot be expressed or resolved.

It’s important that you know and respect where you are on the continuum of skills and experience and to Developmental stages for girls acknowledge what you bring to the situation. Everyone While we can’t change biology or genetics, it is important has something valuable to offer. to understand that they may influence the predisposition to disordered eating behaviours. Societal and developmental Develop an honest relationship with her influences on girls’ development are significant in supporting You can have four Ph.D.s but if you don’t have a solid relationship both risk and resilience to an eating disorder. Here is a look with ‘Katie’ nothing will happen. Intervention is more about at some developmental issues that are helpful to be aware connection than having the right techniques and things to do. of when working with girls.

Every girl has a story and wants to feel heard. She wants to be reassured that you know or can imagine what her experience or At birth infant girls are completely merged with their feelings are like for her. She also wants you to not judge her if mothers. By the time they are 3 years old they have begun your experiences and feelings are different from hers. c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

17

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

Help her express her feelings symbolically

Stuffed animals and dolls are helpful in representing the people ‘Katie’ has issues with. Talking to them symbolically means that she doesn’t have to worry about hurting them. It helps her take herself seriously and make the feeling real. It helps her move past the feeling, and teaches her that she doesn’t have to encode it in fat talk.

She also doesn’t have to confront the person directly.

Encourage her to speak in a big voice

Get to know her

Don’t focus solely on the disorder. ‘Katie’ may be ‘anorexic’ but did you know that she is a soccer player, has a great sense of humour and hates mustard? Getting to know who she is part of forming a relationship.

It also helps her articulate her interests, strengths, talents and insecurities and helps her define herself in terms that are not related to weight.

Learn the golden rule of intervention

I didn’t break it. I can’t fix it. I can provide support and services within my personal and professional role Help her become a detective. Encourage her curiosity about her behaviours, her thoughts and what she tells herself.

Embedded in ‘Katie’s’ stories are clues about the feelings and situations that trigger her fat talk and the eating disorder behaviours. It is only when we resolve these clues that we can help her to make meaningful changes.

Don’t work alone

Work with the family doctor to ensure that ‘Katie’ is not at medical risk. If you are the only resource in your community (as is often the case in many rural and remote areas) consult with the professionals at the eating disorder resources in your province and/or with NEDIC. Asking for help and for reassurance is a sign of strength not weakness.

Remember that You are Both Heroes

It takes a lot of courage for both of you to confront your fears and embrace your curiousity. CS

Did you know?

Women are often known to overestimate their weight and body size? When asked to select the image that best corresponds to their own body type, most choose an image that is 1-2 sizes higher than their actual body type. What does this mean? Most women perceive their body shape to be larger than they actually are.

Be specific

Girls with eating disorders tend to have ‘black and white’ or ‘all or nothing’ thinking. They tend to use global language instead of being specific about right now.

Keep asking her to give you a ‘for instance’ and help her focus on just one thing.

Help her expand her range of feelings

Feelings such as anger, disappointment, loneliness and feeling criticized are often not part of a girl’s emotional vocabulary and are often labelled as bad. I ask my clients to pick a few ‘feeling cards’ from the bowl in my office and use the feeling on each card in a sentence. In the beginning the sentences are general but gradually they become more specific and more about the girl herself.

19

Another interesting fact!

www.nedic.ca

Ask her to remember the specific day and time of day when she felt fat. Encourage her to talk about what she was doing and thinking about. Did she have any thoughts that made her feel badly, such as being annoyed at someone, or feel jealous or insecure? Have her tell her story again without feeling fat. Some girls feel fat so much that it’s difficult to pick out one incident. When this is the case, focus on feeling small or powerless.

Check out the resources in your community and when you need to, refer her to someone with more expertise.

200 Elizabeth Street 7ES-421, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4

Help her decode fat talk

Know how and when to refer

National Eating Disorder Information Centre

Remember Nancy Drew

Girls feel powerless when they can’t set boundaries or express what they think and feel. This is evident when they express themselves in a tiny, soft little voice. Encourage her to stand up and speak in a BIG VOICE when you are role playing and when she is talking to someone symbolically.

Talk about how the different voices make her feel.

What women consider to be beautiful or the ideal shape is significantly smaller than what men consider to be the ideal shape.

An experiment was done with the Body Type Scale. The result was that men leaned towards women being in the 5-7 range, whereas the women said that the 2-3 area is the ideal shape for a woman.

Endnotes

• Shakeshaft, C. (March 1986) “A gender at risk,” Phi Delta Kappan. Vol. 67, No. 7. pp. 500503 • Jack, D. (1991). Silencing the self: Women and depression. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

• Gilligan, C., Rogers, A. G., & Tolman, D. (1991). Women, girls, and psychotherapy. New York: Haworth Press.

c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

hen assessing shoplifting, it is not initially considered an adverse issue that affects the community as a whole. It is a shocking reality that Canadian retail profits are reduced by nearly 30%. This amounts to an extraordinary $3.6 billion per year lost in retail crime1 or $8 million lost per day2; of which 35% is attributed to shoplifting.

Consequences include decreases in sales associates’ wages and hours, and inflation of costs for products, making consumers to pay more for goods2.

W

Canada-Ontario-GTA

Within the Region of Peel, 2010 saw a 4.6% increase with 5000 reported incidents rather than 4700 the previous year3. This figure sounds minimal in comparison with population statistics, and the Peel Regional Police boast an over 90% solvency rate for shoplifting crimes3.

Nevertheless, shoplifters are caught once in every forty-eight times they actually steal merchandise, translating to an approximate 2% chance of being caught4. Upon being caught by retailers one in every forty-eight times, offenders have a 50% chance of being reported to the Police. Results of these facts are an obvious statement that shoplifting is most often an undetected crime5.

©copyright iStockphoto.com | erwo1

Spatially speaking, shop theft rates are higher among Toronto’s high commercial activity nodes which not surprisingly contain shopping centers and are concentrated near the city core where human activity is at its peak and is anonymous in nature and more opportunities are present6. Demographically, a Statistics Canada report indicated Torontonian students self-reported that shoplifting and vandalism were the most frequent property related delinquent act; shoplifting attributed to 53% of those incidents7. Reports unanimously conclude that a large percentage of shopthefts are committed by adolescents.

Tonglet’s study found that among student samples, 51% admitted to being involved in shoplifting crimes whereas consumer respondent samples indicated a 32% involvement rate8. We can conclude from these findings that shoplift prevention should implement shoplifting campaigns targeted at youth cohorts and education on shop theft crime. Advising students that it is likely they will get caught and explaining the serious consequences that involves banning from a mall, charges, fines, and a criminal record that can affect their chances at obtaining future employment. What can parents do? Reinforcement from family members and friends are effective deterrents for youth.

Disapproval and feelings of shame instil negative associations with deviant behaviour; mitigating pro-shoplifting viewpoints and reducing the likelihood that the adolescents will rationally choose to shoplift. One must not forget that adults compose a large percentage of those who shoplift and many prevention techniques are universal to all demographics.

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

Internal vs. External Theft

According to Jack L. Hays International Inc, employees steal a little over 7 times the amount of products stolen by customer shoplifters9.

Although employees predominantly steal more merchandise on average, future projections forecast that theft by customers will account for 62% of shopthefts and 33% will be committed by employees1.

According to the Peel Regional Police, the most effective defence against internal theft is pre-employment screening2. Considering that large percentages of stolen goods are taken by recidivists who steal an average of 1.6 times per week5, requiring potential employees to complete a criminal record check and credit history check should be mandatory. Safe City Mississauga would advise promoting awareness of shoplifting, as employees may not consider taking merchandise as a criminal act of stealing. The majority of expert shoplifters do not have a criminal record (remember, there is only a 2% chance of shoplifters getting caught). How do you prevent internal theft if record checks just won’t suffice? A holistic approach may be the most effective tool. Implementing various crime prevention techniques including natural access control, natural surveillance and territorial reinforcement to increase effort, increase risks and reduce rewards offer dynamic control over the retail environment.

A study conducted on the behavioural component of shoplifting argued that shoplifting is a result of three factors; a motivated consumer, desirable products within a retail space and the opportunity to steal items8.

C.P.T.E.D. (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) audits for the retail environment may decrease security problems up to 50% and may also increase retail sales up to 33%11; if you are a retailer, the cost of an audit may be worth the money to reduce inventory shrink rates. C.P.T.E.D. strategies target natural surveillance, natural access control and territorial reinforcement.

Removing the opportunity to steal an item is essential to preventing thefts. Consumers have reported that although they did not go to a retail center with the intent to steal an item, an opportunity arose and they took advantage of the opportunity8.

Risk management techniques involve placing high-risk inventory in strategic locations throughout the story to facilitate natural access control. Paying attention to costumers and designing the interior of the store with low shelves and wide aisle11 to make clear sight lines removes opportunities for them to be unseen for natural and informal surveillance. Training on strategic placement of employees in conjunction with the store design increases visibility

and can be paired with CCTV cameras to increase feelings of “being watched” and therefore easily caught. Desirable products are inevitable within the retails space. Locking up valuable items in a glass case limits easy access for those who want those highend items at no cost11. Territorial reinforcement will create a sense of ownership and rights over the retail space. This can be done to prevent shoplifting through regular store maintenance including organizing of goods so that those that are missing are easily identifiable and aesthetic design to promote the sensation that if something is missing, it will be noticed11.

The perception that security is ineffective and shoplifting is a low-risk crime may be connected to the fact that customer thefts are not reported as often as employee theft. Training of retail employees and security within the malls on procedure of theft incidents and the importance of reporting to the Police may increase arrests and deter recidivism. Regardless of efforts, expert shoplifters will continually attempt to find methods around the retail system, but increasing risks by combining product placement, tagging items, employee positioning, store layout and natural access control will mitigate opportunities.

Having a C.P.T.E.D. audit completed for your business is a great first step; contact Safe City Mississauga or your local crime prevention agency to arrange for an audit. CS By: Brittany Wakefield Resident Criminologist

1 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Retail Council of Canada. (2007). Canadian Retail Security Survey 2007.

2 Peel Regional Police. Shoptheft Prevention: Are You Responsible? Fact Sheet. http://www.peelpolice.ca/ Crime%20Prevention/ecms.aspx/CrimePreventionServices/FactSheets09/ShoptheftPrevention.pdf Version Current May 2008.

3 Christidis, Chris. September 2011. Peel Regional Police Telephone Interview.

4 Bethune, Brian. (2011). Shoplifting is Florishing Worldwide: why is steak on everyone’s top 10 list? MacLeans. http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/07/19/the-big-steal/ 5 CBC Documentaries. The Secret World of Shoplifting Factsheet. http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/ doczone/2009/shoplifting/factsheet.html 6 Charron, Mathieu. (2006). Study: Neighbourhood characteristics and distribution of police-reported crime in Toronto. Crime and Justice Research Paper Series. Statistics Canada. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/dailyquotidien/090924/dq090924a-eng.htm 7 Statistics Canada. (2006).Study: Self-reported delinquency among young people in Toronto. http://www. statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/070925/dq070925a-eng.htm 8 Tonglet, Michele. (2001).Consumer misbehaviour: an exploratory study on shoplifting. Journal of Consumer Misbehaviour. Henry Stewart Publications.

9 Jack L. Hays International Inc. (2011). http://www.hayesinternational.com/ 10 Hamilton Police Service. Shoplifting: facts and prevention. http://www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca/NR/ rdonlyres/0AA9D405-5EDF-4948-9620-0A8FB8A1EAB1/0/SHOPLIFTING.pdf 11 Carmel-Gilfilen. 2011. Advancing retail security design: uncovering shoplifter perceptions of the physical environment. Interior Design Educators Council. Journal of Interior Design 36(2), 21-38

c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

21

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

Even though

it’s

been

several years since I saw it happen, its impact on me is still strong.

I was sitting in the stands at a Good Charlotte concert with a raucous crowd of young fans. At one point in the concert, the band stood on stage and asked for the houselights to be brought up. After quieting the 10,000 teens in the room, they calmly asked, “How many of you here have ever considered or attempted suicide yourself, or know someone who has taken their own life?” I stood in stunned silence as what looked like every hand in the room went silently and slowly up in the air. It was a powerful encounter with a dark cultural reality. Then, after the young

23

quintet of punk rockers told the crowd that suicide is a road they should never travel, they launched into their hopeful anti-suicide anthem, “Hold On.” I had a difficult time listening as my eyes kept scanning the crowd of young

©copyright iStockphoto.com | Miappv

people in the room.

c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

That moment has come back to me whenever I read, hear about or discuss a teen suicide. Sadly, that’s been far too often. While there’s no way to really know just how many kids are pondering suicide, the Center for Disease Control tells us that suicide is the second leading cause of death (behind accidents) among 1519 year-olds. In the United States, one teenager takes his or her life every 100 minutes. It’s recognized that this statistic is far too conservative as many teen suicides aren’t reported as such.

What is known is that there’s been an alarming and steady rise in suicide among younger children and teens.

I don’t know Phil, but the brief story he tells on his Web site offers another reality check. “My name is Phil and last year I lost my son to suicide. He was only 17. If you were like me … chances are you don’t know anything about suicide or noticing the warning signs … I know that I didn’t … but I do now. My wife and I have put this site together for both adults looking for some information on how to prevent this from happening to their children, and also for other teens looking for help.”

[

[

While they may not always communicate their pain and intentions with verbal clarity, the signs are there. But they may never be heard unless we know what to watch for.

Because I’m a father, I find Phil’s words somewhat haunting.

One day his son was there. The next day he wasn’t. I can’t even imagine. For whatever reason, Phil didn’t see it coming.

I’m sure Phil’s ignorance is admittedly shared by the great majority of parents who have experienced his same horror.

One loving and involved Christian parent described to me what it was like for them after their 13-year-old son took his life. The young man had endured a horrible breakup along with a change in schools before slowly getting depressed. The parent says, “We were frogs in boiling water and missed the signs of the rising temperature. No one ever thinks suicide will happen to them—we thought we were dealing with the highs and lows of a budding hormonal teen.”

Sometimes it’s the things right under our noses that we so easily miss. This parent’s words are words we should all hear and heed. The parents deeply loved Christ and their son.

They were active in his life. The signs were there. But still they were missed.

One of the most memorable moments of the 1992 Summer Olympics occurred when Britain’s Derek Redmond was sprinting around the track in the 400-meter run. As Redmond sped around the backstretch, his right hamstring tore. How did you and I know he was hurt? He showed us. He stopped running, limped a few steps and fell to the ground.

His face contorted in response to the physical pain he was feeling. He grabbed his leg and rolled around on the ground. Those who were in

close proximity heard him scream out in agony. We knew he was hurt because he told us not in words but through his actions. His physical pain was obvious to anyone who was watching.

Teenagers who attempt suicide give signs. About 80 percent of those who take their lives communicate their intention to someone prior to the act. While they may not always communicate their pain and intentions with verbal clarity, the signs are there. But they may never be heard unless we know what to watch for.

Experts say there are five categories of signs teens give when contemplating or before attempting/committing suicide. No, they’re not all there all the time. But some signs will most likely be present. Carefully read through the descriptions of these signs, realizing that they will usually appear in some combination before a teenager acts on their thoughts.

Emotional signs

Teenagers, by nature, can be moody. But not all of their moody behavior should be written off as just a part of the adolescent stage. There are several unusual and extreme emotional cries for help that can clue us in to our teenagers’ struggles with hopelessness, depression and suicidal feelings.

The first emotional cry can be heard in the classical signs of depression. (See sidebar below.) If these symptoms continue for two or more weeks, then it is time to seek help.

Withdrawal from normal activities is a second emotional cry.

When a teenager suddenly separates from friends, family, objects and activities that are normally a large part of their life, trouble may be brewing. Depressed and suicidal teens may want to spend more time than usual alone or in their room.

The calm before the storm occurs when a teen’s spirits improve suddenly and dramatically after a period of deep and extended depression. Psychologists say this is a very dangerous time since the teen’s “peace” may actually exist because the decision has been made to take their life. They are excited because they feel like they have finally found the solution to their problems and the pain will soon be over. Parents should be very cautious when a teen who has a history of depression appears to be dramatically and suddenly improved.

Physical signs

Sometimes an observant eye is all it takes to tell that a teen is depressed or suicidal. Here are some physical cries you can hear by being aware of your teen’s physical demeanor and day-to-day habits. c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

25

Physical complaints are sometimes heard from teens who experience depression and suicidal thoughts. Stomach aches, headaches and constant fatigue are a common occurrence among teens who are finding adolescence and the pressures of their life too much to handle.

A neglect of physical appearance, characterized by sloppiness and poor personal hygiene could be a way of saying, “Why should I bother? Nobody cares about me anyway.” Teens who feel worthless sometimes begin to look worthless.

A change in normal eating and sleeping habits is also a sign of trouble. Suicidal teens will sometimes sleep more, eat less and even develop an eating disorder.

Finally, body language that shows an inability to concentrate can be a sign that a child is preoccupied with depression and problems.

Slouching, staring off into space and constant daydreaming may occur when the pain of what is going on inside drowns out an awareness of what might be happening in the same room.

Behavioral signs

Teens who struggle with depression and suicide sometimes decide to become involved in some strange and frightening new behaviors.

Accident proneness can become a conscious or unconscious attention-getting device for teens who desperately want someone to notice them. Teens who feel shut off from others find the attention they receive after an accident to be a form of immediate reinforcement. These cries for attention can also be cries for help.

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

Acting out or other melodramatic behavior is another common attention getter. I remember one girl who always acted like the world was coming to an end. When she felt her friends were starting to ignore her, she would quickly step on stage and respond like a terrible actress to some new crisis that she had thought up. It didn’t take long for her friends to catch on to her act. As her fantasy world came crashing down, she would move on to a new circle of friends who would respond in the way she wanted. Sadly, this was a cry to be noticed, loved and cared for by a girl whose father had emotionally rejected her, leaving her depressed and feeling worthless.

A preoccupation with violence and unusually aggressive behavior are clear signs something is wrong. Some suicidal teens will fight, yell, break things and throw objects during increasingly frequent fits of rage. Some will be mesmerized by video game, movie and television violence, renting and viewing violent films. Others will purchase or attempt to build weapons.

Self-destructive behavior and involvement in dangerous activities are signs that a teen may have little or no regard for his or her personal safety or life. Many suicidal teens will live life on the edge by driving fast, playing dangerous games with weapons, or playing chicken with their cars and bikes.

Any sort of high-risk activity of this type merits attention.

Promiscuous sexual behavior is often an attempt to sedate strong feelings of failure and depression. Kids who see themselves as worthless, unloved and rejected will look for acceptance and love through sexual intimacy.

Drug and alcohol abuse is another factor contributing to suicide. While their abuse appears to contribute to suicide by aggravating and exaggerating depressed feelings and suicidal tendencies, their use can also point to the presence of depression and suicidal feelings.

Sudden rebellious and disrespectful behavior towards parents, teachers and other authorities may indicate that a teen has decided to take their fate into their own hands rather than listen to the wisdom and advice of those they may have respected at one time.

[

[

Don’t believe it. It’s only a myth. Most suicidal acts are preceded by some warning or cry. All of those cries and warnings should be taken seriously.

A drop in grades and increased truancy are not uncommon when a teen is preoccupied with so many problems that they find it impossible or undesirable to care about schoolwork.

Teens who are thinking about killing themselves will sometimes become preoccupied with death. They may write poetry or stories focusing on death or other morbid themes. Their musical tastes may change and lean toward an interest in genres of popular music that glamorize occult themes, hopelessness and death.

Their preoccupation with death may even lead them to dye their hair and dress in black.

Preparing for death is a clear sign that a teen has decided to commit suicide. Many teens who have made the decision will begin to give away valued personal items to close friends or family members. They will say good-bye and take care of other personal business. And they will acquire the means by which they intend to kill themselves (rope, gun, pills, etc.).

It seems strange that this last behavioral cry has to be mentioned, but the fact that many parents don’t hear this loudest of all screams warrants its inclusion. A suicide attempt should not be brushed off lightly. As Dr. Walter Byrd of the Minirth-Meier Clinic says: “Any suicide attempt should be taken seriously … whether the attempt was a determined effort to end one’s life or rather an act carried out in desperation to provoke the involvement of others in a help-giving model.”

Situational Signs

Researchers and counseling professionals have noted numerous unpleasant life changes that affect teenagers more deeply than any other group of people because of the difficult developmental stage at which teens find themselves. These events might precipitate feelings of failure, loneliness, depression and suicide.

One study found that among those who attempted suicide, nearly 76 percent reported having recently experienced one or more of these changes.

A teenager might commit suicide after losing friends and social status following a family move from one community to another.

Other situations include a romantic breakup, death of a friend or loved one, divorce, or academic failure. Parents should be especially sensitive to the emotional needs of their teenagers during these times of personal crisis. Sometimes we falsely assume they will be able to adapt to change as well as we can.

Common signs

and symptoms of adolescent depression Persistent sadness Fluctuation between silent apathy and excited talkativeness Inability to concentrate • Severe weight gain or loss Major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns Withdrawal from friends or family Complaining about headaches or stomach aches Declining grades and an unwillingness to work in school Truancy • Rapid mood swings Lack of interest in regular activities (sports, church, music lessons, youth group, etc.)

Hopelessness • Pessimism about the future Expressions of helplessness, worthlessness Preoccupation with death or suicide The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding grants permission for this article to be copied in its entirety, provided the copies are distributed free of charge and the copies indicate the source as the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding.

For more information on resources to help you understand today’s rapidly changing youth culture, contact the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding.

©2005, The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding www.cpyu.org

Verbal Signs

Parents who listen to their children might be alerted to suicidal intent by the words they hear from their children. A child who says things like, “I won’t be a problem for you much longer,” “Nothing really matters anymore,” “It’s no use,” “I won’t see you again” or “I’d be better off dead” is saying they may have already decided their fate.

Some people have speculated that people who talk about suicide won’t ever commit suicide. Don’t believe it. It’s only a myth. Most suicidal acts are preceded by some warning or cry.

All of those cries and warnings should be taken seriously.

When Derek Redmond fell to the track in pain during the 1992 Summer Olympics, an amazing thing happened. As he stood up and began to hobble around the track in an effort to finish the race, his father came out of the stands, rushed past security guards, came to his son’s side and embraced him. With his son’s head buried in his shoulder and the crowd cheering, Jim Redmond led his son around the track to the finish line. It was learned later that when Jim Redmond came to his son’s side, he told him, “We’re going to finish this together.”

When our children and teens cry out in pain during the difficult years of adolescence, we must listen, drop everything, rush to their sides, help them up, support them and tell them we will work with them to get through the difficult race that lies ahead … together. And as we walk, our talk must point them to the only One who gives the only hope that can lead them to “hold on.”

He’s the one who says to us all, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

He’s the one who gives new life. CS c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

27

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011

I bullying

n 2003, Peel Crime Stoppers conducted a pilot project involving Crime Stoppers and bullying. The program basically consisted of giving students from 7 schools presentations on Crime Stoppers as another avenue to combat bullying and cyber bullying. The results were fascinating in that, for the 4 month pilot, ten tips were received about elementary school children being bullied by other children.

Each school already had a bullying program in place, following their respective school boards’ policy in regards to dealing with bullies.

The results were that in these 10 cases, students felt more comfortable calling Crime Stoppers in relation to a bullying problem. Many reasons could be speculated, but the fact that it generated Crime Stoppers tips is the most significant part. It shows that bullies that would not have been dealt within the current framework of the schools bullying program because they had not been identified. In one case, one bully would not stop bullying and had to be suspended from school and eventually transferred to another school. He continued to bully children and fortunately, someone decided to call Crime Stoppers indicating the bully had not stopped.

29

It is for the above reasons that Peel Crime Stoppers are now back into the elementary schools doing presentations to teach students about the Crime Stoppers program. The benefit is that students will feel confident after the presentation that their identity will remain anonymous when they call Crime Stoppers.

This is a vital part of the educational component of the Crime Stoppers program. Persons must believe they will remain anonymous or they will not call.

With the recent news of a disabled child being bullied and taking his own life, the importance of this social issue is of utmost concern for our school aged children, and all avenues must be explored to assist in the dealing with such incidents. Peel Crime Stoppers has now rejoined the fight against bullies.

For presentations in your school, contact www.peelcrimestoppers.ca

c r i m e s e n s e m ag . c o m

It was 25 years ago that Peel Crime Stoppers was formed within the Region of Peel. At that time, the program was believed to be another avenue that callers could use if they wanted to remain anonymous.

over 86 billion dollars worldwide. Peel Crime Stoppers alone has effectively accounted for the removal of 105 guns off the streets as a direct result of tips given to the police.

Some Police officers were not convinced that the program would succeed and if so, with what success? Since the public already had 911 telephone lines and regular telephone lines, who would really call Crime Stoppers to give information to the police? Why would anyone call Crime Stoppers? Who would they be? Criminals reporting activities of other criminals? Persons living with criminals reporting their crimes? Would they just be the type of people interested in collecting the reward, which is now as high as $2000? Or would it be people that did not want to get involved but wanted to help solve crime and make a difference in their community? Time would tell the answer to the above questions and more.

Every year, Peel Crime Stoppers receives over two thousand tips in regards to crimes past, present and future. Tips are received by the Crime Stoppers Coordinator and passed on to investigators for further examination. The results are then passed back to the tipster and if valuable, they get a reward for their contribution. Interestingly, only about 30% of tipsters pick up their reward money, which suggests that tipsters are not doing it for the money but for more positive reasons, such as making a difference in their community, assisting police, doing the right thing, and taking ownership of their community in the fight against crime. It does not matter that they wish to remain anonymous; they have still done their part in making a difference to make Peel Region a safer place.

Here we are, 25 years later and the results are in!!! The program is a huge success, not just within Peel Crime Stoppers, but worldwide. The program has expanded to over 27 countries with over 1500 programs worldwide. The statistics are almost unbelievable with recovered stolen properties totalling

Celebrating this year will be a 25th Annual Gala Appreciation Dinner for Crime Stoppers for a program that has succeeded far beyond expectations which will be held on November 22nd 2011.

Cst. Tony Bayley of Peel Crime Stoppers

crimesense

|

fa l l

2011